Parents' Guide to

Space Case: Moon Base Alpha, Book 1

By Tracy Moore, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Whip-smart space whodunit touts research, brains over brawn.

Book Stuart Gibbs Mystery 2014
Space Case: Moon Base Alpha, Book 1 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 10+

Based on 6 parent reviews

Sarah R.
Sarah R. Adult
July 28, 2016
age 10+

Exciting and easy read.

This novel was wonderful from start to finish. The character development is on point and the story line was very layered. I especially loved the diversity in the ethnicities of the characters as well as providing important roles to the kids in the story. I think it will those kids who read this a feeling of importance and responsibility in their own lives.
swajoed
swajoed Parent of 8, 10 and 12-year-old
September 23, 2022
age 10+

Smart book with great heroes, very little objectionable content

There was a little bit of violence, but not much, it was not graphic, and it was never glorified. So yes, more violence than Daniel Tiger or Sesame Street, but very minor compared to even what kids see in cartoons. There was one sexual thing that the CSM review didn't mention - one kid who had hacked the surveillance cameras offered to let another kid watch a girl get ready to shower. Obviously I'd prefer that wasn't included, but the redeeming part was that the kid who made the offer was universally disliked in the book for being self-centered and kind of an idiot, so it's not like it was "here's what the cool kids are doing." The courageous/thinking kids were the heroes, not the ruffians.
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What's the Story?

Twelve-year-old Dashiell Gibson, his scientist parents, and his sister, Violet, are among the first inhabitants on Moon Base Alpha, which is nowhere near as exciting as it sounds, until the well-liked Dr. Holtz turns up dead. Problem is, base commander Nina the Machina proclaims the murder an accident and forbids Dashiell or anyone to talk about it or investigate it as otherwise. But with clues mounting and a long list of possible suspects who had a motive, Dashiell can't resist exploring his conspiracy theory. New arrival Kira is in on it, as is a mysterious new friend, Zan Perfonic. Can Dashiell solve the murder mystery and stay out of trouble to avenge Dr. Holtz's death, or will he risk getting shipped back to Earth on the first rocket home?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (6 ):
Kids say (5 ):

Stuart Gibbs' books often follow similar formulas, but they are exceptionally well-written, rewarding reads -- and SPACE CASE is no different. It even ups the ante with a heavily researched and imaginative setting: the first human outpost on the moon, inhabited by a team of scientists and their families acting as researchers and willing guinea pigs. The same fast pace, clever quips, and twists and turns are here, but Gibbs takes extra care to paint a picture of equally talented men and women, with girl hackers, racially diverse scientists, and kids often taken as seriously as adults, all done in a matter-of-fact way that feels natural.

Overall, it's a fun read that manages to have it both ways. It praises smarts and education and still has a lot of action-packed, suspense-filled fun. There's a murder, a dead body, and a few scuffles as well as Gibb's trademark teen-boy toilet humor, but nothing is explicit or disturbing.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about space travel. Would you live on the moon if you could? Why, or why not?

  • Do you think the book portrays alien life forms realistically? Why, or why not?

  • Things are very diverse and equal on the space colony. How about your school? What grade would you get for diversity and gender equality?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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